India-Pak sporting ties freeze

Following the beheading of two Indian soldiers by a Pakistani border team on the LoC has cast a shadow over sporting ties between the two countries. And this time, it`s not confined to high-profile cricket matches. Pakistan alleged that their wrestlers were not granted visas for next week`s 22-nation Asian Championship in Delhi. , Pakistan Hockey Federation secretary Shahbaz Ahmed claimed that they were excluded from the ongoing Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia because of India`s pressure. According to Sports Minister Vijay Goel, the Indian government has decided to halt sporting relations between the two countries. Terrorism and sports can`t go along together. The sporting relations between India and Pakistan can be cordial only after Pakistan stops sponsoring cross-border terrorism. India takes these things very seriously, Goel said. Goel said he was aware of the Indian High Commission`s decision to deny Pakistani wrestlers visas for the Asian Championships even though officials of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) said they were unaware of any such move. A WFI official said they had informed the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs and Intelligence Bureau about Pakistan`s participation and were willing to take responsibility for the four-member contingent.